DC/MD/NoVA Beer Updates (2023)

Stopped by Dominion yesterday and grabbed a crowler and some cans. They are hoping to open the outside dining area by weeks end.

 

Anyone heard rumors of Beltway possibly planning to close? Saw a post in a FB group this morning, which has since been deleted, about them trying to sell off a bunch of equipment.

 

I havent heard anything but wouldn't be surprised. I was in there during the World Cup one afternoon, with the intent to buy some beers to take back to PA. We were the only ones there. It seemed that they were focusing more on in-house beers vs. the contract brew format they started with. With its location and the competition near-by, its probably hard to see a ROI. Or maybe they are just rescaling the operation.

 

Personally, I haven't been there since the glory days when they were brewing for Grimm.

 

Brewery confirmed on socials this afternoon...
_____________________________________________________________
It’s time to say goodbye.

When you decide to start a brewery, you always know that one day you’ll brew your last batch, but you never expect it to be the one you just brewed.

Unfortunately for Beltway Brewing, that time has come.

While I could regale you with Monday morning quarterbacking of all the things we should have or could have done differently over the past decade, the reality is that closing our doors is less the result of missed opportunities and more about the macroeconomic factors facing the brewing industry and the commercial real estate market here in Loudoun county.

I am incredibly proud and thankful to my team for their iron-willed fortitude and dedication in facing the many challenges all businesses faced over the past few years. Unfortunately, recent hurdles were greater than our ability to overcome them.

With that said, although our production has now ceased, we will keep our taproom open as long as we can to share what remains of our last brews with all of you. Through at least January, our taproom will continue to be open during our regular hours.

We are scheduling a “Celebration of a Decade of Beltway Brewing” on Saturday, January 28th.


We want to invite every Beltway fan out to enjoy 2 final special releases of a barrel aged red sour and a barrel aged imperial stout, our 20+ beers on tap, and pick up a case of Beltway's best brews before they are gone forever.

We look forward to seeing you all over the coming weeks and waxing nostalgic with you over a glass of your favorite brews.

Come thirsty, leave happy, and bring the memories with you from your friends at Beltway Brewing.


~Sten

 

Looks like they succeeded, as the outdoor seating (heated tents) are set to open tomorrow.

 

Yes, they are closing. Like I predicted in the 2022 thread, Rocket Frog wasn't going to be the only one and there will be more shutting down soon as well. Selling mediocre beer at premium prices isn't the best recipe for success.

 

New District to close in May but not due to bad business. Reads as though they will search for a new spot. Landlord apparently didn’t inform them of the coming indoor dog park and is requiring them to lease the entire building and raising rent 2.5x if they wanted to stay.
https://www.arlnow.com/2023/01/05/s...tap-to-close-in-may-looking-for-new-location/

 

Atlas Brew Works coming to Alexandria for their third location.
https://dcbeer.com/2023/01/06/many-rivers-to-cross-atlas-to-open-in-virginia/

 

Sorry if this isn't the right place to post this. I didn't want to make a new thread, and this seems like a general info thread for the area.

Are there any good bottle shops for local stuff in our around Catonsville, MD? For that matter, what are some good shelfies to look out for? The only MD brewery that I'm familiar with is Burley Oak from my trading days.

 

The best selection for local/regional beers, in my opinion, is the Perfect Pour, a short drive from Catonsville, off I-95 before you get to Columbia. Or you could head straight down US-40 to Jasons in Ellicott City. Not as much variety but still decent.

If you want to hit some near by breweries, both Guinness and Heavy Seas are fairly close and several in Columbia that are not too far away.

 

Thanks. If Perfect Pour's growler list is any indication, they must have a nice selection.

I'd love to hit some breweries, but probably won't have the time. Appreciate the suggestions all the same!

 

If you're going to be near Perfect Pour then check out Sapwood Cellars, which is 10-15 mins away, if you have time.

 

Virginia-based Crooked Run Fermentation expanding to DC with their Union Market location opening Wed. Jan. 18th.
https://www.washingtonian.com/2023/...getting-its-first-brewery-with-tons-of-pizza/

 

I'd second Sapwood Cellars, one of the better options in Maryland, IMO right now. Cushwa makes some good beers and I'm guessing are sold in bottle shops off I-95 area, but IMO not quite as consistent as Sapwood. I've been finding Peabody Heights IPAs and DIPAs over the last few years to be outstanding and sold at a great price as well in many stores.

 

I was finally able to check out Juicy Brewing over the weekend and I have to say their IPAs are very good. The space was small and not very enticing for a longer stay. TV was on a infomercial and bathroom was dirty. That being said, plenty of cans to go but a bit higher on the prices $22/4 pack. Would definitely recommend checking it out.

 

Still middle of the road (IMO)

 

Agreed on the ambience, but they usually have something on when I'm there (soccer/football).
The owner is very friendly and engaging, but I would have to concur on the experience.
It's just not a place I want to hang out in for more than a couple of beers.